Insights
Technology as Leverage for Climate Impact | Behind the Tech
Apr 2, 2024
Gigascale Founding Partner Mike “Schrep” Schroepfer joins Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott on Behind the Tech to talk about his career in software and hardware, from building Meta’s engineering culture to his work as an investor. He discusses how COVID prompted a shift in focus toward impact, and how technology is our best leverage.
Conversation Highlights
- High-Frequency Learning: Schrep traces his career back to Stanford, where he learned to run experiments fast, asking, “What’s the cheapest, fastest, easiest way to learn more?” This mindset shaped his career, building products at Meta and now investing in deep tech companies. Delve deeper into how this philosophy applies to leadership and investing in Schrep’s conversation with Harry Stebbings on 20VC.
- Technology as Leverage: He describes technology as one of the few things that removes trade-offs: “So many problems in life are either-or decisions. Technology turns them into yes-and.” From cheaper batteries to cleaner fuels, he sees innovation as a tool for expanding human prosperity. Hear how this vision of deep tech for climate impact comes to life during Schrep’s talk at Masters of Scale.
- From Philanthropy to Investment: COVID-era reflection led Schrep to focus his energy on climate impact, first through philanthropy and then by founding Gigascale Capital. “Markets can move trillions when there’s money to make. The most impactful technology-solutions for the climate will be from companies that scale because they win on product and economics.”
Key Takeaways
- High-frequency learning drives innovation. Small, fast experiments compound progress faster than perfect plans.
- The companies that will have the most positive climate impact will build products that’re cheaper, better, and cleaner than the alternatives.
- Technology turns trade-offs into possibilities, removing constraints to create prosperity and climate progress.